The world has to control its arms

Amnesty’s released a major new report on the global arms trade today.  Some of you may have spotted the story on ft.com or in the Guardian today.

Essentially Blood at the Crossroads outlines how weapons transfers to already volatile countries and regions such as Iraq, Burma and Darfur may have been prevented had an international Arms Trade Treaty been in place.

Next month at the UN member countries will decide on whether to move forward with negotiations for an Arms Trade Treaty. It was first agreed in 2006 when 153 countries voted in support – with only the US voting against it.  This year will see another crucial decision: it’s about whether to go ahead with plans or not.

Unfortunately there are a few countries – such as the US, China, Russia, Pakistan and India – which are likely to delay, water down or block proposals. 

So Amnesty’s urging the UK Government who’ve expressed full support for the Treaty not to rest on its laurels when they’re at the UN next month.  You can send an appeal to the UK Government urging them to do all they can when in New York next month.

Kate Allen has written a piece for Comment is Free on this very same matter today. So keep an eye on the CiF site – should be up soon.

Meanwhile if you have a spare five minutes or so, try out this excellent game and then send it along to your mates.  My personal best so far is 12, but I’m hoping to beat it by the end of the day!

Til the next time

Yule E